Biggest Cheltenham shock in years as 1-5 El Fabiolo LOSES to Rachael Blackmore’s outsider Captain Guinness

HUGE favourite El Fabiolo pulled up in today's Champions' Chase in a seismic shock - which cost punters millions.

The Willie Mullins trained horse had been favourite to win but was pulled up early.

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El Fabiolo, ridden by Paul Townend, had gone into the race at 1-5, one of the shortest priced runners in years - but made a huge mistake early on.

After hitting the first and the third, it was after the fifth that El Fabiolo pulled up, staying on his feet but unable to continue.

Thankfully the horse was unhurt, with jockey Townend also fine.

Rachael Blackmore brilliantly profited on El Fabiolo's abrupt exit to triumph on Captain Guinness.

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The Henry de Bromhead trained horse had begun the race at 17-2.

Gentleman De Mee came second at 16-1, with 100-1 Funambule Sivola in third.

After her win, Blackmore told ITV: "He travelled incredible and jumped really well. It is incredible. So pleased for his owner.

"He has been knocking on the door. It is incredible to win this, just incredible and so happy to do it on this horse.

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"He always runs his race. He is enthusiastic."

Ruby Walsh, meanwhile, said: "If you’re going to win the lotto, you have to buy a ticket.

“If you’re going to win a horse race, you’ve got to line up and take your chance. Fair play to Henry de Bromhead.

“You have to be in to win. Maybe that’s something English national racing should be trying a bit more often.”

On the Betfair Exchange, some £2million was lost on El Fabiolo.

The horse was set to be Mullins' 100th Festival winner and was one of the bankers of the week for most punters.

But what should have been a celebration turned into a nightmare, stinging bettors to the tune of more millions everywhere.

After the race, Mullins said of El Fabiolo: "He got very low over a few of them. I was very concerned…disappointing."

He then added that even "God" can have a bad day.

Blackmore's latest win saw a further £10,000 added to Betfair's "Rachael Blackmore - Serial Winners Fund".

The bookie launched the initiative last November by donating £100,000 to the Injured Jockey Fund and Irish Injured Jockeys.

They committed to adding £5k for every Blackmore winner, and £10k for every one of her Cheltenham triumphs.

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